Feek To Go Full-Time As Ireland Scrum Coach

The IRFU is pleased to announce that scrum coach Greg Feek will join the Ireland management team on a full-time basis from the start of the 2014/15 season. He has signed a two-year contract.

Greg Feek joined Leinster as scrum coach for the 2010/11 season and has been involved as a specialist consultant with the Ireland squad for the last three years.

The new role includes the coaching of the national team's scrum as well as being involved in the National Scrum Development Programme.

Through the National Scrum Development Programme, Greg will be working with the provincial and underage scrum coaches to identify and develop scrum talent and will focus on improving players' general understanding of scrum mechanics and technique.

He won 10 caps for New Zealand between 1999 and 2001 and played Super Rugby with the Canterbury Crusaders. Before joining Leinster, he held the role of scrum resource coach for the Wellington Hurricanes franchise.

Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt commented: "Greg played an important role during the Six Nations and the national coaching staff are delighted that he will be joining us on a full-time basis. He will also be a valuable addition to the National Scrum Development Programme."

Greg Feek said: "I am excited to be taking on this new role. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Leinster and have grown as a coach at the province.

"There is some good scrum talent across all four provinces but there is always plenty to work on as we attempt to maximise the growth and development of the emerging talent while also staying as competitive as possible at the top level."

Ireland scrum coach Greg Feek spoke to Irish Rugby TV on the eve of the final round of the RBS 6 Nations Championship. He is happy that the team are focused but warns that it will be a tough encounter with Scotland tomorrow.

Looking forward to the lineout battle with Scotland, Ireland lock Devin Toner said: "We went well again Italy, I think our set piece went well. If we can just build on that and build on the positives then I think we'll be okay."

Joe Schmidt spoke to Irish Rugby TV this morning with an update on the squad, a look back at Ireland's nine-try win over Italy and a preview of our final match of the RBS 6 Nations Championship against Scotland.

Having marked his 50th Ireland cap with a try, hooker Sean Cronin said: "It's great to part of the squad for the last few years. To get 50 is something I'll look back on fondly. Great win today so it's extra special."

Irish Rugby TV brings you behind the scenes of today's RBS 6 Nations meeting of Ireland and Italy in Dublin. Check out the Tunnel Cam from the Aviva Stadium, including some post-match reaction from Ultan Dillane.

We spoke to Rory Best after the Captain's Run at the Aviva Stadium about his 50th RBS 6 Nations appearance, the improvements to be made against Italy and potential new cap Bealham who has been added to the bench.

Speaking about the excitement levels building towards the Italy game, Conor Murray said: "We've two big games left at home in front of our home fans to show people what we're capable of and be hopeful for the future."